Name: Moroccan Meatball Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 1 pound ground lamb or ground beef; ¼ onion, grated; 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ¼ tsp turmeric; ¼ tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp ginger powder (optional); 2 garlic cloves, grated; 2½ Tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp turmeric; ¼ tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp pepper; ½ tsp cumin; 1 tsp coriander; ¼ tsp ginger powder or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional); ¼ tsp cayenne; salt to taste; 1 Tbsp tomato paste; 1½ cup grated tomatoes; 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; ¼ cup water

Jump to Recipe

The Moroccan Meatball Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara) Recipe is a heartwarming dish that brings together tender, spiced meatballs nestled in a rich, tomato-based sauce bursting with fragrant herbs and warm spices. This recipe is a celebration of Moroccan home cooking at its finest, where bold flavors harmonize perfectly to create an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress guests with something uniquely delicious, this dish delivers on all fronts with every bite.

A round clay pot holds a rich, thick red tomato sauce filled with many dark brown meatballs spread across the surface. There are three white dollops of soft, melted cheese in the sauce, each topped with small black pepper specks and sprinkled with fresh green herbs. The sauce looks glossy with a slightly oily shine on top. In the background, a white marbled surface supports the pot with some bread pieces blurred softly behind it. The overall look is warm and hearty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Moroccan Meatball Tagine lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing its own unique touch to the taste, texture, and vibrant color of the dish. Gathering fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and quality ground meat sets the foundation for this flavorful culinary adventure.

Ground lamb or beef: The star protein offering rich flavor and perfect texture for tender meatballs.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, grated or diced depending on where it’s used in the dish.
Fresh parsley and cilantro: These herbs brighten the dish with freshness and a hint of earthiness.
Paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, and cayenne: A blend of spices that brings warmth, complexity, and authentic Moroccan character.
Garlic: Freshly grated or chopped to enrich the sauce and meatballs with aromatic punch.
Tomato paste and grated tomatoes: Create the luscious, tangy sauce that coats every tender meatball.
Olive oil: For sautéing and infusing the tagine with subtle fruity richness.
Eggs (optional): Added towards the end for an indulgent, silky finish that feels indulgent and beautiful.

How to Make Moroccan Meatball Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by combining the ground meat with grated onion, fresh herbs, garlic, and the signature Moroccan spices. Mixing these ingredients by hand helps you feel the perfect consistency. Form the mixture into small 1¼ inch meatballs and chill them briefly while you prepare the sauce. This resting step is key to juicy, flavorful meatballs that maintain their shape during cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet or traditional tagine over medium-high heat, then add diced onions. Cooking them until golden brown draws out their sweetness and builds a savory base. Stir in finely chopped garlic and cook for a brief minute to release its captivating aroma without bitterness, setting the stage for the spices.

Step 3: Add the Spices and Tomato Base

Combine paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, pepper, cayenne, and optional ginger powder, then add this warm spice mix to the onion-garlic mixture. Cook it together briefly to toast the spices, enhancing their flavor. Stir in tomato paste and grated tomatoes to create a vibrant, rich sauce. Fresh cilantro and parsley join here to infuse brightness, while a splash of water balances the sauce consistency perfectly.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 25 to 30 minutes. Occasional stirring helps it thicken and deepen in flavor. Taste and adjust salt and seasoning until you’ve captured that perfectly balanced, fragrant sauce that will cradle our meatballs lovingly.

Step 5: Cook the Meatballs in the Sauce

Gently nestle your chilled meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover and allow them to cook through for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping once to coat them evenly in the luscious sauce. This slow cooking ensures they stay succulent and soak up the spices.

Step 6: Optional Eggs for Extra Comfort

Create small wells in the tagine’s sauce between the meatballs and crack in eggs. Cover and cook until the whites set while the yolks remain deliciously runny, typically another 10 to 15 minutes. This addition brings a wonderful silky layer, making the Moroccan Meatball Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara) Recipe feel even more comforting and complete.

How to Serve Moroccan Meatball Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara) Recipe

Moroccan Meatball Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor, perfectly balancing the rich, spiced sauce. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving lifts the whole dish with luscious silkiness.

Side Dishes

This tagine pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce or fluffy couscous which complements the texture of the meatballs wonderfully. For a twist, add some briny green olives on the side or folded into the dish for an additional layer of Mediterranean character.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the tagine directly in a traditional earthenware pot for an authentic feel that invites everyone to enjoy communal dining. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a bright salad on the side to create a balanced, colorful feast that’s every bit as photogenic as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Moroccan Meatball Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more deeply and making for a fantastic next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the texture and spices.

Reheating

Reheat the tagine slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the sauce regain its lively flavor. If you included eggs, they may lose their perfect texture after reheating, so consider adding fresh eggs when you warm the dish again.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of lamb for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef works wonderfully in the Moroccan Meatball Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara) Recipe and offers a milder flavor, making it a great alternative if lamb isn’t your favorite or easy to find.

Is it necessary to use all the spices listed?

While each spice contributes uniquely to the authentic flavor, you can experiment based on what you have. The key spices like paprika, cumin, and coriander are essential, but a touch less of cinnamon or turmeric can still yield a tasty dish.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and cook them fresh when making the sauce. This can actually deepen their flavor and save time on cooking day.

What if I don’t have a tagine pot?

No worries at all! A wide skillet or heavy-bottomed pan works perfectly for this recipe. The key is slow simmering, which you can easily achieve without a traditional tagine.

Are the eggs necessary in this recipe?

Eggs are optional but highly recommended! They add a lovely richness and visual appeal, making the dish feel extra special and comforting. If you prefer to skip them, the tagine is delicious on its own.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet tried this Moroccan Meatball Tagine (Kefta Mkaouara) Recipe, you’re in for a real treat. Its vibrant spices, tender meatballs, and rich sauce come together so effortlessly to create a dish that feels both exotic and cozy. Give it a go, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved favorite for your weeknight dinners or weekend feasts. Enjoy every delicious bite!